Dec 11, 2023 | Social Media
In a landscape saturated with influencers, we’ve seen it all. From reality TV personalities to makeup mavens, they’re everywhere! But hold on, there’s a new game in town, and it’s poised to make the influencer world take notice. Today, let’s turn our spotlight toward college athletes evolving as micro-influencers. These players are scoring points on the field and gaining followers in the digital realm — a combo you can’t afford to ignore.
In our quest for authenticity, the influencer horizon is shifting. No offense to A-list influencers, but the audience nowadays seeks more grounded and relatable connections. Enter micro-influencers — the friendly, up-and-coming faces winning hearts with their unique experiences and smaller, more engaged followings. And who better exemplifies this than college athletes? They’re fiercely enthusiastic about their sport, stylish, and spin captivating tales that connect profoundly with their fans. Keen to achieve more, they leverage their social media channels to accomplish their individual and team goals.
Don’t let their ‘blooming professional’ status fool you. These young athletes are setting trends, and their skill sets are awe-inspiring. They’re more than just potential sports celebrities in the making; they bring considerable value to the table. Here are some reasons why they could be your brand’s MVP – that’s Most Valuable Promoter for the uninitiated.
Extensive reach: It’s stunning to note the kind of fan base these student-athletes have. Their Instagram accounts are bursting with interaction, putting marketing heads into a happy frenzy.
Authenticity: College athletes are all about keeping it real. Their posts are genuine and relatable, allowing their followers to feel part of the journey.
Trust: Fans place a deep trust in these athletes. So, when they promote your brand in their post-match relaxation video, it’s practically a direct endorsement to their large fan base.
Think of this like your personal guidebook. Start by identifying athletes whose image and voice align with your brand’s values. Examine their interaction levels and audience responses. The magic trick lies in discovering someone whose brand image mirrors what your company stands for while concurrently appealing to your target demographics.
Making contact can be as simple as a direct message or an email. But remember, this isn’t like buying ad space; you’re building a partnership. So, ensure you take the opportunity to chat about their personal achievements or unique routines before initiating your proposal.
How brands and college athletes are working together is nothing short of impressive. Here’s a snapshot of what’s happening in this burgeoning aspect of influencer marketing:
1. Chipotle and David Roddy: Chipotle saw the potential in this trend early. The Colorado State basketball sensation Roddy, had a huge win off the court when he joined hands with the food chain giant, earning himself an entire year of free burritos!
2. Dreamfield and McKenzie Milton: Dreamfield, a firm concentrating on building athlete brands, joined forces with UCF’s quarterback, Milton. This bond initiated numerous endorsement chances and facilitated personal appearances for the player.
This trend isn’t going anywhere. With the NCAA’s recent green light allowing athletes to earn from their name, image, and likeness (NIL), this wave is ready to reach epic proportions. The future will likely see a surge in localized collaborations and multiple-athlete partnerships. Investing in these rising stars could be a smart business move for brands.
“Just as in sports, the marketing game is about endurance, strategic thinking, and scoring the right partnerships.”
The name of the game is changing. Influencers are no longer just celebrities but athletes climbing the ladder of success. Stay tuned to see how these promising athletes are rewriting the rules of influencer marketing!
Impact fans is a leading SAAS company, revolutionizing how advertisers and athletes connect and benefit from each other.
